South Korea Fight Back to Defeat Czechia 2-1 Thanks to Hwang's Heroics

Hwang In-beom scored a goal and set up another as South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening Group A match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Guadalajara on Thursday.

Hwang became the first South Korean player to score and register an assist in the same match of a World Cup after Czechia had gone ahead in the 59th minute through defender Ladislav Krejci's powerful header from a long throw-in.

South Korea's response came through midfielder Hwang, who equalised in the 67th minute after entering the penalty area. He then created the match winner in the 80th minute, setting up substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Czechia threatened primarily from set-pieces and appeared to have scored towards the later staged but it was adjudged offside for Krea to collect three points and be second in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico.

"We stayed calm after conceding and continued to play our football," South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo said.

"The players showed great character and deserved the victory."

Mexico take on South Korea in Guadalajara on June 18, while Czechia face South Africa in Atlanta.